Improvement in crutch-handles



UNITED SIMON KREGER, OF PHILADELPHIA7 PENNSYLVANIA.

IMPROVEMENT IN CRUTCH-HANDLES.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 116,603, dated July 4,1871.

have invented an Elastic Detachable Crutch- Handle, of which thefollowing is a s} )eciiication:

The object of my invention is to furnish a handle that can readily beapplied to any crutch, and that Will yield to the Weight ofthe body andconform to the movements of the person using the crutch, so as to affordease and comfort. A crutch, supplied with my handle is materiallylighter than a crutch which has a spring' in its staff. In crutches ofthis character the spring' is inclosed in a metallic i'errule, and isliable to become clogged up and rendered inoperative by the dirt or mudthat penetrates its inclcsurc and adheres to the spring'. My invention7likewise7 cheapens the cost of the spring-crutch and increases itsdurability. t

My invention is delineated in the accompanying drawing.

A is the shoulder-piece, that rests on thc springs B B, which aresustained by the base-piece C. The springs B B are held in position bythe rod D that passes through the base-piece and springs into theshoulder-piece A. The springs may be kept in place by anyother suitabledevice. In the under surface of the basepiece are sockets E E,into-Which iit the sticks that constitute the staff of the crutch7 andthe ends of said sticks may be secured in the sockets by thumb-screws orother mechanical means.

I expressly disclaim the use of au elastic strap or its equivalent inthe construction of my crutchhandle; and I also disclaim resting thehead of the crutch upon springs placed over the ends of the side pieces,or resting the ends of the head piece upon springs in. which the sidepieces are inclosed; but

I claim as my invention- A crutch-handle, stationary on the staff Whenin use, but detachable therefrom at pleasiue, and composed of anon-elastic shoulder-piece fitting under. the arm-pit, and superimposedon springs held in place by rods or otherwise, and

a base-piece, into which are inserted the ends of the side pieces thatform the sta-l' of the crutch. Vitnesses: SIMON KREGER.

FRANKLIN E. FELTON, J. H. KREGER.

